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You and safer tripping

Using hallucinogens is always risky because they are illegal drugs. You can never know for sure what you’re buying or using. There are other risks too. Some are related to how hallucinogens affect your mind and body. Others are related to your relationships with people. Here are some ways you can reduce those risks.

Before you start...

Think about why you want to get high
It’s best not to use hallucinogens as a way of avoiding or coping with problems.

Know your dealer
It’s best to choose someone you feel safe with and who knows about the drugs they sell.

Find a buddy (who won’t be tripping)
Using alone can mean coping by yourself if you get injured or have a bad trip.

Plan your trip
Choose a safe, peaceful place to hang out, knowing that most trips last 8-12 hours. Talk to your friend about things you could do if you have a bad trip.

When you’re tripping...

Be sure you’re in the right frame of mind
Using hallucinogens can be fun, spiritual or educational if you embrace the experience. It can also be scary, especially if you try to control rather than “roll with it.”

Avoid bad experiences
Steer clear of climbing up on things, looking in the mirror, or having sex with anyone other than a comfortable, familiar partner. These activities can have unpleasant or unexpected results.

Stick to one substance at a time
Using cannabis and alcohol while tripping can change your experience in unpredictable ways.

Stay away from the steering wheel
Your judgment and coordination may be greatly impaired.

Think about NOT using hallucinogens if...

You or a family member have a history of mental health problems
Hallucinating can trigger symptoms of a mental health problem.

You’re living with a heart condition
Many hallucinogens affect blood pressure and heart rate.

You’re experiencing symptoms of a mental health problem
This includes depression or anxiety. Hallucinogens may interact with mental health medications.

You can’t keep yourself or others safe while using hallucinogens
Safety needs to be a main priority.

You’re using hallucinogens too often
It’s best not to use drugs as your main way of having fun or handling boredom, unhappiness or stress in your life.

You’re concerned about people finding out about your use of hallucinogens
Having and maintaining good relationships with your family and friends is more important.

If you’re having a bad trip...

Go to a safe environment (if you’re not already in one) and play calming music.

Surrender to the experience (rather than trying to control it).

Try to meditate or relax.

The only way to guarantee you won’t have a bad trip is to not use hallucinogens.

If someone else is having a bad trip...

Take them to a calm, safe environment.

Reassure them that you’re their friend and that in time the experience will pass.

Help them meditate or relax.

Getting help

Self-help tools:

www.heretohelp.bc.ca

www.carbc.ca

Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service:

1-800-663-1441 (BC)

604-660-9382 (Greater Vancouver)

About the author

The Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, formerly CARBC, is a member of the BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information. The institute is dedicated to the study of substance use in support of community-wide efforts aimed at providing all people with access to healthier lives, whether using substances or not. For more, visit www.cisur.ca.

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HeretoHelp is a project of the BC Partners for Mental Health and Substance Use Information

We are a group of seven leading mental health and addictions non-profit agencies. Since 2003, we've been working together to help people live well and better prevent and manage mental health and substance use problems. Learn more.